Disclaimer: This is a complete work of fiction, there's no resemblance to actual persons or events or places. If so, it is utterly not intended. I do NOT own Monster High, or anything to do with it. Thank you.

A / n: Wow, over 60 reviews? That's amazing, I love it so much! It makes me even more excited and pumped to get this next chapter out to you, so here it is. Please enjoy, it's for all of you! (Also! So sorry about the wait for this chapter, it seemed to have uploaded strange, something about an outdated url. So here's me trying to re – post it :) thanks for sticking with the story!)

Cast In Stone

Chapter Thirteen

Jackson looked over at this box that was sitting on the nightstand next to his bed where he was currently lying down, staring at it. He went to change his position to gain comfort but was instantly reminded why he should just stay as he was. His torso was just submerged in pain. He curled up a little more as it slowly subsided.

It wasn't really time for bed or anything, but he still felt drained from waking up much earlier that day so he figured lying down sooner than normal would benefit him in the long run. He finished his previously assigned homework and had it all ready to go back to school tomorrow.

He assumed that he would be alright going back; at least it would take his mind off things.

Taking a few deep breaths his pain stopped completely and he slowly stretched out for more comfort. He hugged a pillow next to him and snuggled into it, settling down hopefully for the rest of the night.

It'd be easier to settle down without thoughts rushing through his mind, but he couldn't stop the curiosity spreading through him like wildfire. Heath had just told him it was a gift. Jackson had asked who it was from even though his cousin wouldn't answer out of stubbornness, he'd avoid the question altogether.

So he was very unsure about opening this so – called gift. The hesitation grew even more not knowing who it was from. Should he open it? Could he return it? Would he like it?

He gave in and reached for the gift, despite it causing pain to become evident again, he just had to know what it was.

His eyes widened when he looked at the finally unwrapped gift. It was the brand new iCoffin.

In shock, he set the little box next to him on the bed. How did anyone know he needed a new cell phone? And who would go out and get it for him? He gave a light shrug and took another look at the box in his hands. It seemed pretty awesome with all the features listed on the back.

He'd never admit it, but he did always want one of these things. He just never got up the courage to ask for one. Jackson hated asking for things he needed, let alone something that he longingly wanted.

Sighing, he opened the box right up. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of a small folded up piece of paper in the box. This didn't come with the phone, did it?

He slowly opened the piece of paper to reveal a note.

Hey Jackson,

So… I know you won't hang out with me especially since you flat out refused to and that's okay but I know you need a new phone, so not only can't you return this gift, it's something you need and I think that plenty justifies in keeping it, :D

Oh, also… you can have this phone on one condition. Whenever I text or message you, you HAVE to answer me. I mean, it's only polite anyway and I don't honestly think you're the rude type.

Enjoy the needed phone,

Deuce

This highly confused Jackson. Why would he go out of his way – Deuce Gorgon of all people – just to get him a new phone? He really didn't want to keep it, so he'd try to give it back somehow. He didn't need anyone's help or offerings; he could do whatever he wanted to or needed to do, on his own.

He turned over, not facing the unboxed phone or the hand written note. He didn't have to like this one bit.

"Clawd, what's going on? It was so strange how Deuce came to the door. He was all like, blushing and fidgety and stuff. Y'know anything about that?" Clawdeen questioned her brother as soon as he got through the door.

Clawd narrowed his eyes and a soft but low growl came from him.

Clawdeen narrowed her own eyes but backed off Clawd. "Fine, apparently you don't wanna talk about it."

"No, I don't."

Howleen looked to her brother and sister, "What about Deuce?"

Clawd heaved a sigh, "Nothing. Both of you, just leave me alone."

Clawdeen and Howleen cowered, looking at one another. Neither one of them had a single clue of what could be wrong with their brother. They were all usually such a close knit family and shared everything; it worried them as to why he wasn't sharing anything.

Scarlet looked at her pups, there didn't seem to be total happiness amongst them. Shifting her gaze at her ghouls, she gave a warm smile. "It's okay dears, your brother just needs a little space is all. You two go do something, like the homework I know you have – I'll go speak to him. Your father will be home soon, if that school work isn't done…"

Both ghouls knew what would happen if they didn't have their homework done by the time their father got home, so they hopped to it right away.

Climbing the staircase, Scarlet could've sworn she burned more calories here than going for her usual morning run. She made a quick turn for her son's room, knocking on the door. "What?" He answered sadly.

"It's just mom, can I come in dear?" She took his silence as an invitation and opened the door slightly, once she saw that Clawd was only sitting on his bed, she opened the door more as she slipped inside. Discreetly, she shut it behind her. "Clawd, what's going on? You have your sisters worried and honestly, me too."

"I'm just, I'm not even sure why I went to casketball practice. I certainly didn't find it as great as I used to or, as great as I usually do." He wasn't sure where exactly to start off his explanation, so here seemed like an okay spot to begin.

"Oh, really darling?" Scarlet inquired as she took the unoccupied spot next to Clawd on his bed.

"Yeah. It's… it's a long story. I just, couldn't really handle casketball practice and I snapped on Friday… well, y'know Heath?" He asked, trying to figure out how much his mother knew, so he knew what he had to explain further.

"He's that nice, funny boy, isn't he?"

Yep, she knew him. "Mhm, that's Heath. Well, his cousin is Jackson. The only normie at Monster High."

Scarlet gave a gentle nod, "Oh, I see. The only human? Poor thing, I bet he doesn't live that down huh?"

Clawd shook his head, "Not really. And well, I ran into Heath on Friday, during lunch… he was an emotional mess. By the time I actually calmed him down enough to listen to him… he told me that Jackson, had tried to commit suicide…"

Her eyes widened, "Oh my, Clawd… I understand now dear. You've never dealt with anything like that. It's… pretty… horrible, isn't it?"

He gave a nod, looking away from his mother just in case he started to tear up… again. "I thought I'd be able to handle casketball practice. I was so wrapped up in thought that the ball hit me, I snapped and popped it… and I left in a mean hurry."

Scarlet nodded, blowing some of the stray bangs out of her face. "I don't doubt it, is… Jackson alright?"

Clawd gave a so – so gesture. "Deuce asked me to drop something off for Jackson, I know he's staying at Heath's place so I went there, did that… and he told me that Jackson was now conscious but he was out of the hospital but on down time and would be for awhile. It's understandable, I just…"

"Don't know how to react." She reached out and rubbed Clawd's shoulder. "Your father's the same way and I have a feeling you'll directly follow his footsteps there."

Clawd tilted his head slightly, "What do you mean?"

She gave a light sigh, crossing one leg elegantly over the other. "Well, your father's ever only dealt with one death. That was great granddad's death. So, your grandfather's father. Anyway, he just… he didn't know how to handle it and so he would often let it out by getting angry and sometimes it was so… sudden but short. Y'know?"

Clawd slowly nodded, he could see the pattern she was referring to. "Yeah."

Scarlet leaned over and kissed Clawd's cheek. "You'll be okay, at least Jackson is alive. Remember that."

Clawd was thankful for his mother's kind and truthful words. "Thanks mom, I will."

Tada! Another chapter. Review guys! It's always appreciated. :)